Good quality higher education in Cyprus is provided by many different types of institutions. With a wonderful Mediterranean climate, the island hosts on average some 7,500 tertiary level international students each year - and India is the 4th biggest country of origin.

Basic information

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia and it is at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa. The island’s main economic activities are banking, tourism, craft exports, merchant shipping and other services. Cyprus has a free open market economy. Over the years, the economy has gradually developed into a modern one with dynamic services, industrial and agricultural sectors, and an advanced physical and social infrastructure. The historic, capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (Lefkosia), whilst Paphos, in the South West, will be a European Capital of Culture in 2017. Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and abundant sunshine throughout the year. In May 2004, Cyprus joined the European Union and became its easternmost and southernmost outpost and in January 2008, Cyprus joined the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and hence the Euro is the monetary unit in use. The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. However, English is widely spoken.

The Higher Education System

The Government policy as regards to higher education aims to fulfil the local needs for higher education and to establish Cyprus as a regional educational and research centre, a hub for international scholars and students alike. The higher education system in Cyprus is shaped by the European Higher Education Area as outlined by the Bologna Process. Higher and Tertiary Education in Cyprus consists of public and private institutions of Higher Education at University and non University level. A useful electronic information booklet named “Higher Education in Cyprus” provides background on the sector in English. Higher education is provided by many types of institutions: institutes, universities, academies and conservatory. In Cyprus the academic year is usually composed of two semesters, beginning in September and ending in May. Generally, there are mid-term exams scheduled in October and March of the respective semesters and a final exam at the end of each semester, though this can vary depending on the course. According to UNESCO, Cyprus hosted almost 7,500 international tertiary level students in 2012, the biggest country of origin of post-graduate student being neighbouring Greece, followed by Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.

Scholarships

Some scholarships are offered by the Cyprus Government and at times by public and private institutions of Higher Education in Cyprus or international partners, as advertised on their websites. Postgraduate tuition fees for International students can be in excess of 400,000 INR per year.

This website has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of the implementing partner (AETS) and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Contents received from the participating EU higher education institutions have been used on the website with minimal editing and are compiled and presented in good faith to serve public interest. The respective institutions are responsible for the accuracy of their submissions.

NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE EU MEMBER STATES

EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION VIRTUAL FAIR (EHEVF) INDIA 2018: 25-28 Oct

Dear Madam/Sir, Greetings from New Delhi!

The EU has a relatively long history of co-operation with India, including in Higher Education and Science and Technology. The EU is particularly active in increasing participation of more Indian students and teachers studying, researching, and teaching in Europe, in particular through European scholarships and institutional cooperation through ERASMUS+ program and, for teaching and research through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action and Jean Monnet Programme. About 5,000 Indian students and scholars have already received such European grants. With about 50,000 Indian students in the EU right now, Europe is the 2nd preferred destination of Indian Students wishing to study abroad.

Following on the success of the European Higher Education Virtual Fair (EHEVF) India in 2015 and 2016, the Delegation of the European Union to India is announcing the European Higher Education Virtual Fair (EHEVF) India 2018.

The aim behind EHEVF 2018, being organized under the EU Public Diplomacy in India through Policy and Outreach Partnerships Project (EUPOP India), is to promote the EU as a destination for higher education and research for Indian students and researchers and to support the EU Member States and EU-based Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in their efforts towards internationalization of higher education.

The Virtual Fair, which will be held from Thursday 25th October to Sunday 28th October 2018, will provide an online platform to EU HEIs to reach out to future students in India through digital marketing including social media, web presence and webinars.

The Virtual Fair comprises of four main elements:

1.A dedicated website hosting information about the participating EU HEIs which will be promoted amongst the Indian students. Each participating HEI and EUMS will get one webpage/ micro-site on the EHEVF website: www.study-europe.net

2.A series of webinars will be arranged during the Virtual Fair to enable the HEIs to directly reach out to prospective students in India on higher education opportunities in the EU. Each participating HEI will get one or more speaking slots during the Virtual Fair.

3.A dedicated digital marketing campaign will be run from August – October to attract the attention of Indian students on social media channels to which participating HEIs and EUMS will be invited to cross-link and collaborate.

4.A partnership campaign will be run with select Indian universities/ HEIs in key cities across the country who will be approached to publicize EHEVF amongst their students and to host EHEVF 2018 webinar screenings in their premises. It is expected that EU HEIs will have access to large number of Indian students and academic community through this direct channel as well.

We invite you to participate in the EHEVF 2018 by expressing your institution’s interest by responding to this email. There is no participation fee for EU HEIs - they should be officially registered/ recognized in one of the EU Member States. At this juncture we would need the following information from you:

More than 5000 Indian students participated in the Virtual Fair held in 2016 which comprised of two phases: In July, 45 webinar sessions were held over 4 days with participation of 26 EU HEIs, and in September 80 webinar sessions were held over 4 days with 8 country sessions, 12 thematic sessions and the rest were taken by 22 HEIs from the EU. In 2015, more than 3200 Indian students participated in the Virtual Fair webinars.

The Virtual Fair offers you an unmatched opportunity to reach out to and engage with potential students from India from the comfort of your home or office, free of cost.

We look forward to having your expression of interest as soon as possible, preferably within a week from the date of this letter.